Kilbeggan unveils its first rye whiskey

Beam Suntory has launched Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye – the brand’s first Irish whiskey to have been distilled and matured entirely at the Kilbeggan Distillery since its restoration in 2010.

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye Whiskey is made with a mash bill comprised of malt, barley and approximately 30% rye, which is said to produce “an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice”. Double distilled in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills, one of which claims to be the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye has been bottled at 43% abv. The limited edition expression will be available in the US from mid-November with a suggested retail price of US$34.99 per 750ml. John Cashman, Beam Suntory global brand ambassador, Irish whiskey, said: “Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced a flavour unlike anything available today.” Small batch Rye joins Kilbeggan’s portfolio alongside its Blended Irish Whiskey and Single Grain Irish Whiskey.